Seroprevalence of HAV and HEV Infection in Patients Suspected Of Acute Viral Hepatitis.

Background & objectives: HAV and HEV infections occur chiefly as a result of unhygienic conditions. This study was done to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies to HAV and HEV in patients of acute viral hepatitis. This study will also determine the disease distribution in different age groups. Methods: Serum samples of the patients presenting with jaundice were received in Serology laboratory, Department of Microbiology, B.J.M.C., of the patients admitted in Civil Hospital and outside from nearby PHCs and CHCs. These samples were tested for detection of IgM antibody against HEV and HAV by ELISA. Results and Interpretation: 1045 patients suspected of acute viral hepatitis were studied over a period of 3 months. The seropositivity of HAV was 49, out of which 35 were in the pediatric age group (71.4%). Seropositivity of HEV was 290, out of which 272 were adults (93.7%). Conclusion: HAV and HEV are notifiable diseases under IDSP. This study will help in determining the magnitude of public health problem posed by HAV and HEV. Also it will identify the age associated disease burden. Addressing the public health problems associated with the enteric transmission of viral hepatitis will require implementing stronger measures to prevent fecal contamination of food and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]